U.S. patent application number 13/838961 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for torch height mechansim.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lincoln Global, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Jamil Snead. Invention is credited to Jamil Snead.
Application Number | 20140263205 13/838961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51522873 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140263205 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Snead; Jamil |
September 18, 2014 |
TORCH HEIGHT MECHANSIM
Abstract
A torch height adjustment mechanism includes a welding torch
head connected to a torch plate; a first four-bar linkage between
the torch plate and a linkage interface; a second four-bar linkage
between the linkage interface and a mounting plate for connecting
the torch-height adjustment mechanism to an automatic welding unit;
a shaft providing rotational movement to the second four-bar
linkage; and means for communicating rotational movement of a first
link of the second four-bar linkage to a first link of the first
four-bar linkage to translate the torch plate vertically without
rotation along a path between a raised position and a lowered
position.
Inventors: |
Snead; Jamil; (San Diego,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Snead; Jamil |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Lincoln Global, Inc.
City of Industry
CA
|
Family ID: |
51522873 |
Appl. No.: |
13/838961 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
219/121.56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23K 37/0241
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
219/121.56 |
International
Class: |
B23K 37/02 20060101
B23K037/02 |
Claims
1. A torch height adjustment mechanism comprising: a welding torch
head connected to a torch plate; a first four-bar linkage between
the torch plate and a linkage interface; a second four-bar linkage
between the linkage interface and a mounting plate for connecting
the torch-height adjustment mechanism to an automatic welding unit;
a shaft providing rotational movement to the second four-bar
linkage; and means for communicating rotational movement of a first
link of the second four-bar linkage to a first link of the first
four-bar linkage to translate the torch plate vertically without
rotation along a path between a raised position and a lowered
position.
2. The torch height adjustment mechanism according to claim 1
wherein the first four-bar linkage includes two parallel and equal
length links.
3. The torch height adjustment mechanism according to claim 2
wherein the second four-bar linkage includes two parallel and equal
length links.
4. The torch height adjustment mechanism according to claim 3
wherein a link opposite the first link of the first four-bar
linkage is connected to a link parallel to the second link of the
second four-bar linkage at a shared pivot point.
5. The torch height adjustment mechanism according to claim 4
wherein the shared pivot point is fixed.
6. The torch height adjustment mechanism according to claim 5,
wherein the shared pivot point and the means for communicating
rotational movement are aligned along a common plane.
7. The torch height adjustment mechanism according to claim 1
wherein means for communicating rotational movement of the first
link of the second four-bar linkage to a first link of the first
four-bar linkage comprises a first gear connected to the first link
of the first four-bar linkage and a second gear connected to the
first link of the second four-bar linkage.
8. The torch height adjustment mechanism according to claim 7
wherein the first and second gears comprise partial gears.
9. The torch height adjustment mechanism according to claim 7
further comprising a housing including a plate, wherein the plate
defines an opening that receives the first gear and the second gear
therein wherein the first gear and second gear mesh along a plane;
wherein the plate further defines a pivot receiver adapted to
receive a shared pivot, the shared pivot being common to the first
four bar linkage and the second four bar linkage, wherein the
shared pivot is fixed by the plate and within the plane.
10. The torch height adjustment mechanism according to claim 7,
wherein the first gear has a pivot point and the second gear has a
pivot point, wherein the pivot point of the first gear and the
pivot point of the second gear are vertically aligned with each
other.
11. The torch height adjustment mechanism according to claim 1,
wherein the first four bar linkage includes a first pivot point,
the second four bar linkage includes a second pivot point, and
wherein the first four bar linkage and second four bar linkage are
attached to each other to a shared pivot point, wherein the first
pivot point, second pivot point, and shared pivot point are fixed
relative to each other on a housing.
12. The torch height adjustment mechanism according to claim 1,
wherein the first link of the first four bar linkage has a first
pivot point and the first link of the second four bar linkage has a
second pivot point different from the first pivot point, and
wherein a second link of the first four bar linkage extends from
the first pivot point at a first angle and a second link from the
second four bar linkage extends from the second pivot point at a
second angle, wherein the first angle and the second angle have an
absolute angle equal to each other.
13. The torch height adjustment mechanism according to claim 1,
wherein the lengths of the links forming the first four bar linkage
are equal to the lengths of the corresponding links in the second
four bar linkage.
14. A welding torch system comprising: a welding torch head; a
torch height adjustment mechanism for mechanically adjusting the
height of the welding torch, the torch height adjustment mechanism
comprising: a torch plate supporting the torch head; a first
four-bar linkage including a first pivot point; a second four-bar
linkage including a second pivot; wherein the first four bar
linkage and second four bar linkage are connected at a shared pivot
point; a linkage interface including a housing, wherein the linkage
interface includes a first hear attached to the first four bar
linkage and rotatable about the first pivot point, and a second
gear attached to the second four bar linkage and rotatable about
the second pivot point, wherein the first gear and the second gear
are engageable with each other in a plane and wherein the shared
pivot point is lies within the plane; a shaft providing rotational
movement to the second four-bar linkage; wherein rotation of the
shaft is communicated to the first four bar linkage at the linkage
interface to translate the torch plate along a path between a
raised position and a lowered position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Certain embodiments relate to welding systems, devices, and
processes. More particularly, certain embodiments relate to a
system and/or method for positioning and adjusting the position of
a welding torch relative to a work space in any of brazing,
cladding, building up, filling, hard facing overlaying, joining and
other welding applications.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This patent document relates to welding systems, devices,
and processes.
[0003] Welding in large industrial applications, e.g., metal inert
gas (MIG) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) pipe or plate welding, can
involve welding together very thick work pieces. Welding torches in
these large industrial application are often movable in three or
more dimensions, allowing the torch head to move horizontally along
X and Y axes as well as vertically along a Z axis.
[0004] It is preferred that the torch head is able to move
independently along the X, Y, and Z axes in order to minimize error
in welding. Horizontal movement along the X and Y axes is typically
controlled by a track or other movable apparatus. In adjusting the
height of the motorized welding torch, it is desired to move the
torch so that it remains perpendicular to the work surface
throughout the entire stroke and keep the torch in a set position
on the X-Y plane. Finally, it is desired to provide a large stroke
of height adjustment while keeping a low profile of the weld head.
A variety of methods and apparatus have been proposed.
[0005] According to a first proposed solution, the torch head is
mounted to a linear track or rail system (e.g. V rollers on tracks,
carriages on tracks, or linear bearings on shafts) that adjusts the
head along the track, maintaining the head in a vertical position
and fixed relative to the X-Y plane. This arrangement requires that
the track length is greater than the stroke, so in order to achieve
a sufficiently large stroke, low clearance is sacrificed.
[0006] According to a second proposed solution, the torch head is
located at the end of a long arm. The arm may be sufficiently long
so that rotating the arm produces a small horizontal movement in
the X-Y plane with a large movement in the vertical Z direction.
This arrangement requires some small horizontal movement in the X
or Y direction and does not allow the torch head to remain
perpendicular, requiring some angular rotation of the torch head
about the X or Y axis.
[0007] According to a third proposed solution, a four-bar parallel
linkage mechanism is proposed. The four-bar linkage includes a
torch attached to a first link and two parallel links extending
away from the first link. A fourth link joins the parallel links.
By applying a rotational force to one of the parallel links, the
torch link is moved up and down and maintained in a perpendicular
direction to the X-Y plane. However, as the torch moves up and
down, there is some lateral movement. If the workspace is not
perfectly flat, then the torch will not stay perpendicular to the
workspace. Even if the workspace is flat, the additional lateral
movement is not desired.
[0008] Therefore, it is desired to produce a mechanism for
adjusting the vertical position of a weld torch in an automated
welding assembly that allows the orientation of the torch to be
maintained without moving the torch in a horizontal direction. It
is also desired to have a mechanism for adjusting the position of
the weld torch that allows for a large stroke with low
clearance.
SUMMARY
[0009] The invention includes a torch height adjustment mechanism
that has a welding torch head connected to a torch plate; a first
four-bar linkage between the torch plate and a linkage interface; a
second four-bar linkage between the linkage interface and a
mounting plate for connecting the torch-height adjustment mechanism
to an automatic welding unit; a shaft providing rotational movement
to the second four-bar linkage; and means for communicating
rotational movement of a first link of the second four-bar linkage
to a first link of the first four-bar linkage to translate the
torch plate vertically without rotation along a path between a
raised position and a lowered position.
[0010] According to various improvements, first four-bar linkage of
the torch height adjustment mechanism may have two parallel and
equal length links. The second four-bar linkage may also have two
parallel and equal length links. Links of the first and second
four-bar linkages may be connected at a shared pivot point that may
transfer rotational movement between links.
[0011] The means for translating rotational movement may include
one or more gears, such as partial gears having intersecting teeth.
The gears may be a first and second gear each connected to
respective four-bar linkages. One or more intermediate gears
between the first and second gears may be provided.
[0012] Also disclosed is a method for adjusting the height of a
welding torch relative to a work surface. The method includes the
steps of providing a welding torch adjustment mechanism with first
and second four-bar linkages; securing a welding torch to a torch
plate of the adjustment mechanism; securing a mounting plate of the
adjustment mechanism to a welding machine, rotating a shaft of the
mechanism; transferring rotational movement between the first and
second four-bar linkages; and vertically translating the welding
torch while maintaining the orientation and horizontal position of
the torch.
[0013] The method may also include a gears for transferring
rotational movement from one of the four-bar linkages to another.
The method may also include the step of rotating the shaft until
the welding torch reaches a preferred height.
[0014] Also disclosed is a welding torch system with a welding
mechanism, a welding torch head in electrical communication with
the welding mechanism, a torch height adjustment mechanism with two
four-bar linkages, and means for communicating rotational movement
from one of the four-bar linkages to the other for translating the
welding torch vertically along a path without rotation between
first and second positions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a torch height
mechanism according to the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the torch height
mechanism;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the
torch height mechanism;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the
torch height mechanism;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the torch height
mechanism;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the torch height
mechanism;
[0021] FIG. 7A is a front plan view of the four-bar linkage of the
torch height mechanism in a first position; and
[0022] FIG. 7B is a front plan view of the four-bar linkage of the
torch height mechanism in a second position.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of
the torch height mechanism similar to FIG. 7B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, wherein
reference numerals refer to their like therein.
[0025] A four-bar linkage is a series of four linkages (e.g. A, B,
C, D) connected end-to-end with one another at connection points
(e.g. A-B, B-C, C-D, and D-A) to form a quadrilateral. Each of the
four linkages is allowed to rotate freely about the connection
point, but translational motion is transferred between adjacent
linkages at the connection point. By rotating one of the links
about a first point (e.g. link A about connection point A-D), the
opposite end of the link is translated, thereby causing the
connected link to translate and rotate as constrained by the
remaining links.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the torch height adjustment
mechanism 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The
torch height adjustment mechanism 100 has a torch plate 102 that
supports a welding torch 104 having a torch body 106 and a torch
head 108. The torch head 108 may include an electrode when
performing arc welding, as shown. It is contemplated that torch
head 108 may include other welding assemblies including but not
limited to laser welding/cutting assemblies, water jet nozzles, or
other implements used in soldering and brazing applications. Also
provided is a mounting plate 110 that connects the torch height
adjustment mechanism 100 to the welding machine (not shown). The
torch plate 102 is connected to the mounting plate 110 by a first
linkage 112 and second linkage 114. The first 112 and second
linkages 114 are connected at a linkage interface 116, the details
of which are shown in further detail in FIGS. 3-4 and described
with reference thereto. A shaft 118 connected to the welding
machine is alternatively rotatable clockwise and counter-clockwise
to adjust the height of the torch plate 102 and welding torch
104.
[0027] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a first linkage 112
includes a pair of parallel arms 120, 122 and the second linkage
114 includes parallel arms 124, 126. The mounting plate 110 may
include receivers 128, such as screw holes, threaded holes, pin
openings, or other structures that secure the mounting plate 110 to
the welding machine.
[0028] In FIG. 3, covers of the first 112 and second 114 linkages
have been removed and the linkage interface 116 is shown in an
exploded view. Linkage interface includes a front cover 130 and
rear cover 132 that form a housing. Connection between and
interaction of the first linkage 112 with the second linkage 114 is
shown in further detail.
[0029] According to one embodiment, the first arm of the first
linkage 120 pivots about a first pivot point 134 and includes a
first gear 140 (FIG. 4) that may be a partial gear. The first gear
140 pivots about the first pivot point 134. The first arm of the
second linkage 124 pivots about a second pivot point 136 and
includes a second gear 142 that may be a partial gear. The first
140 and second 142 gears have teeth that interact with one another
to transfer rotational motion between first gear 140 and second
gear 142. In the embodiment shown, the gear ratio between gears
140,142 is 1:1. It is contemplated that other ratios may be used,
such as, when the lengths of the links are not the same.
[0030] Further according to FIG. 3, the second arm of the first
linkage 122 and the second arm of the second linkage 126 may both
freely pivot about a shared pivot point 138. Rotational motion of
these arms is not communicated between these links, but
translational motion of the arms will be communicated. The shared
pivot point 138 may be fixed as shown by securing the shared pivot
point 138 to front cover 130. It will be appreciated that fixation
of the shared pivot point 138 may occur on either front cover 130,
rear cover 132 or both. Alternatively, another structure within the
housing or linkage interface 116 may be used to fix shared pivot
point 138. In the example shown, a horizontal plane P (FIG. 5)
extends through the center of housing 132. First gear 140 and
second gear 142 may engage each other along plane P. Also, shared
pivot point 138 may be fixed along plane P.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a partial exploded rear perspective view of the
primary embodiment of the torch height adjustment mechanism 100.
Similar to FIG. 3, the front cover 130 and rear cover 132 of the
linkage interface 116 have been removed. The linkage interface 116
is shown in further detail, illustrating the partial first gear 140
and second gear 142 and their interaction. The gears 140, 142
rotate about the first 134 and second 136 pivot points and have a
constant radius, and therefore will remain in toothed engagement as
the related links 120, 124 rotate about the pivot points 134,
136.
[0032] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, first gear 140 and second
gear 142 may be located within a housing 132. Housing 132 may also
support pivot point 138, which as discussed in more detail below is
fixed. In the embodiment shown, housing 132 includes a plate that
defines a gear receiver 133 in which the gears 140,142 are
received. Gear receiver 133 may be an opening through the plate
with gears 140,142 received completely therein. Alternatively, it
is contemplated that receiver 133 may be a recess, notch or other
partial opening that receives at least a portion of gears 140,142.
In addition, it is contemplated that separate receivers may be
provided for each gear 140,142 with an opening between the two
receivers through which the gears mesh.
[0033] In the example shown, an opening 137 is provided to conform
to a circular pivot 138. Pivot 138 is rotatably supported in a
bearing 135, such as a ball bearing. The pivot shaft, which as
shown may be threaded to facilitate attachment. This pivot is
provided as an example and is not limiting. As shown, similar pivot
structures may be mounted in bearing 135 may be used at any of the
pivot points described herein including, as shown, 134,136,138,
150, 151, and 152. It will be appreciated that dissimilar pivot
structures and bearings may be used at each pivot.
[0034] FIGS. 7A-B show the torch height adjustment mechanism 100
including the first 112 and second 114 four-bar linkages.
Representative links A, B, C, D for the first four-bar linkage 112
and E, F, G, H for the second four-bar linkage 114 are shown as
dashed lines. These links extend between pivot points and may not
precisely conform to actual physical components. The members
forming these links are shown as generally straight elongate plates
or bars, but may have other shapes or configurations depending on
the application.
[0035] Referring to the first four-bar linkage 114, link A extends
between the shared pivot point 138 and a first position on the
torch plate; link B extends between first and second positions on
the torch plate 102; link C extends from the second position on the
torch plate to the first pivot point 134; and link D extends
between the first pivot point 134 and the shared pivot point
138.
[0036] Referring to the second four-bar linkage 116, link E extends
between the second pivot point 136 and shaft 118; link F extends
between the shaft 118 and a point on the mounting plate 110; link G
extends between the mounting plate 110 and the shared pivot point
138; and link H extends between the shared pivot point 138 and
second pivot point 136.
[0037] The various links described above for the four-bar mechanism
will also have related features. Links A and C; B and D; E and G;
and F and H form pairs that are parallel and equal length. Links A
and G share a common pivot point 138. The lengths of the various
links will be selected so that as link E is rotated by and about
the shaft 118, the distance H1 between the mounting plate 110 and
torch plate 102 is increased. During this movement, the vertical
alignment of the torch plate 102 will be maintained.
[0038] According to one embodiment, the absolute angle of link D
relative to a horizontal axis equal to the absolute angle of link H
relative to a horizontal axis. For example, as shown, link H
extends at an angle above horizontal at the same angle that link D
extends below horizontal. According to the embodiment shown in FIG.
7B, the pivot points 134,136 of links D and H may be vertically
aligned with each other. This embodiment is not limiting as the
same angular relationship may be maintained with pivot points 134,
136 in a non vertically aligned position.
[0039] For example in an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 8,
first gear 140 may be provided on link A and second gear 142 may be
provided on link G causing the pivot points of links D and E to be
spaced from each other. The angles (.THETA..sub.1, .THETA..sub.2)
of links D and H relative to a horizontal plane extending through
the junction of gears 140,142 are maintained equal to each
other.
[0040] It is further contemplated that gears 140,142 may be located
to join a link of the first four bar linkage to a link of the
second four bar linkage other than the links shown. For example,
one gear may be located on link A and engage a gear located on link
E. Likewise configurations where the shared pivot 138 is eliminated
are also contemplated by the invention. For example when links A
and E are connected through gears, links C and G would not have a
shared pivot point and may be attached at separate pivot points on
linkage interface 116.
[0041] FIG. 7B shows the first 112 and second 114 four-bar linkages
in a second arrangement where the distance between the torch plate
102 and mounting plate 110 has increased to distance H2. In this
arrangement the alignment of the torch plate 102 is maintained
relative to the position of the mounting plate 110. Because the
mounting plate 110 is attached to the welding machine, the position
of the welding torch 104 to the work piece (not shown) is
maintained.
[0042] Also disclosed is a novel method for adjusting the height of
a welding torch relative to a work surface. A welding torch
adjustment mechanism 100 as described above is first provided. The
mechanism 100 includes first 112 and second 114 four-bar mechanisms
connecting a torch plate 102 and a mounting plate 110. A shaft is
connected to the second four-bar linkage 114 and provides
rotational movement to a first link of the linkage 124. A welding
torch 104 is secured to the torch plate 102 and the mounting plate
110 is secured to an automatic welding machine. The shaft 118 may
be rotated to rotate the first link 124 of the second four-bar
linkage 114. This rotation causes the second four-bar linkage 114
to transfer rotational (e.g. through first 134 and second gears
136) and translational (e.g. through shared pivot 138) movement
from the second four-bar linkage 114 to the first four-bar linkage
112. This transfer causes the torch plate 102 to vertically
translate relative to the mounting plate 110 while maintaining the
orientation and horizontal position of the torch plate 102.
[0043] While this patent document contains many specifics, these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any
invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of
features that may be specific to particular embodiments of
particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this
patent document in the context of separate embodiments can also be
implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely,
various features that are described in the context of a single
embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments
separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although
features may be described above as acting in certain combinations
and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a
claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the
combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub
combination or variation of a sub combination.
[0044] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in
a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that
such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in
sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results. Moreover, the separation of various
system components in the embodiments described above should not be
understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.
[0045] Only a few implementations and examples are described and
other implementations, enhancements and variations can be made
based on what is described and illustrated in this patent
document.
[0046] In summary, while the invention has been described with
reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted without departing from the scope of the
invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention
without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that
the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments
disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments
falling within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *